Accolades were offered not only for the award winners but also parents and fine arts directors who have undoubtedly gone above and beyond to coach, urge, cajole and inspire their charges to perform better, play more clearly, draw with more inspiration and act as though their lives depended on it.

The purpose of the awards ceremony is to recognize the years of dedication that these students have put into their artistic endeavors.

While the awards ceremony gives a few moments of recognition, the students undoubtedly gather most of their satisfaction from the camaraderie they find on the stage or studio.

Hopefully, though, it won't all end with high school or even college.

Hopefully, for the rest of their lives, they'll be able to continue to play their instrument or sing in the church or community orchestra. Perhaps they'll be able to act in a community theater, or draw or paint and enter contests.

With the years they've invested already, who knows how far they could take their artistic endeavors. Some will undoubtedly become professionals. Others will find careers as music or art educators. Others will make major contributions to their church or community.

So let's not stop now, seniors. Let your art grow and see how great it can become.